Gangs

A gang can be a group of mates who hang around together. But some gangs are involved in crime. Sometimes gangs are violent and might fight other gangs or carry weapons. If you’re being forced to join a gang you should tell someone about it, or call Childline.

WHat is a gang?

Being in a gang can make you feel part of something or that you belong.

But some gangs take part in criminal activity and might try to get you involved with them. Being part of a gang like this can be dangerous. Sometimes you can be forced to commit a crime or do things that are unsafe.

If a gang carries knives or other weapons, they might get them out to show off or intimidate people. This can be very scary for other people, especially if they think the gang will use them.

If you're feeling pressured to be in a gang:

remember no one has the right to pressure you

spend more time with friends who aren't involved in the gang, or places where you know they won't be

Hanging out with your friends can be a good way to get to know each other and share hobbies and interests. But it can become dangerous if you join a gang that does illegal things like theft or gun and knife crime.

You don't have to join a gang if you don't feel comfortable or sure about things.

Some gangs are involved in crime, drugs, violence and other illegal activities. If you're part of a gang like this it can be dangerous.

It can also mean being:

controlled by older members of the gang

given money or things you like but this could easily change and you might be treated differently

threatened or forced to do things you don't want to do

worried about your safety and the safety of your family or friends

worried about fights with other gangs.

It is important to think about your future and how being in a gang can affect your life. For example, not being able to finish school or college, not being able to get a job and not being able to ever feel safe.

If you have seen or been involved in something in a gang, reporting it can feel scary and confusing. You might worry about getting into trouble or making things worse. It's important to think about your future, your safety and what feels right for you. You don't have to deal with this on your own.

calling Childline free on 0800 1111 or having 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor. It's confidential and you can get in touch at any time. Calls are free, even from mobile phones

contacting the police by dialling 101 to report something that already happened. If it's an emergency or someone is injured or being threatened, you can call 999 for urgent help. The police are there to protect people and help stop crime.

When I wanted to get out of a gang I stopped taking calls or replying to texts from people in the gang. I also made sure my family said I was not at home when they came looking for me. After a short while, they got the message and stopped contacting me.

Ex-gang member

Are all groups gangs?

It's fine to go out with a group of friends, but it's important to think about what you look like to other people. If you aren't doing anything wrong then you don't need to worry. There are things you can do to make sure that people know you are not doing any harm:

always let your parents or the person responsible for you know where you are and who you are with

what you wear is up to you, but it's worth remembering that if you are wearing hoodies or other clothes that cover your face, it can be worrying to other people, as this is associated with some gangs

don't go anywhere that you are not allowed to or trespass on private property

respect other people's property

don't shout out to people or do anything that might make them feel worried or intimidated

if other people try to cause trouble or get you into a fight, walk away or tell someone responsible like an adult you trust.

I'm scared of gangs, what can I do?

Some people can feel intimidated and scared of gangs especially if the gang is involved in violence or crime.